Flagstaff commission approves four APS utility cabinet wraps, names alternates

The City of Flagstaff Beautification & Public Art Commission on June 9 approved artist designs to wrap four Arizona Public Service (APS) utility cabinets across the city and also approved alternate designs to be used if APS or technical constraints prevent the primary selections.

The commission’s vote follows a spring call for designs that produced 53 submissions and a selection-panel review using a 100-point rubric emphasizing originality, site fit, and translation to high-resolution vinyl.

The commission approved the following primary designs and alternates (locations, primary artist, and alternate artist): - East JW Powell Road & S. Lone Tree Road — primary: Kelsey Phillips (artwork featuring coyotes and forest canopy); alternate: Jennifer Phillips ("Wild at Heart"). - W. Aspen Avenue & N. Humphreys Street — primary: Kiara Shrift (downtown landmarks and San Francisco Peaks); alternate: Skyler BlackBull (Navajo prayer-walk–inspired figures). - Butler Avenue near 1AZ Credit Union (near Greyhound station) — primary: Kelsey Phillips (native birds including Western Tanager, Acorn Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Steller's Jay); alternate: Alex Luna (aspen-focused autumn composition). - Butler Avenue near Whole Foods — primary: Liz Taylor ("Fragments of Flagstaff," seasonal motifs); alternate: Erin O’Loughlin (abstract, space-inspired geometry).

Commissioners and panelists praised the overall quality and site sensitivity of the finalists. Panelists reported tight scores at several sites but declined to reconvene for tie‑breaks, expressing confidence in the top selections.

Next steps: with commission approval the designs will be sent to APS for technical review and sign‑off; wrap production and installation are scheduled to begin in July with completion by October 1, 2025, subject to APS approval and material/production timing.

Why it matters: The pilot program wraps utility cabinets in weather‑rated vinyl to reduce visual clutter, support local artists with modest awards (winning designs receive $2,000 upon delivery of production files), and add color and community identity at high‑traffic locations.

Votes at a glance - Motion to approve recommended design for East JW Powell / Lone Tree (mover/second not specified). Outcome: approved by voice vote; exact tally not specified. Alternate approved as a contingency. - Motion to approve recommended design for W. Aspen / N. Humphreys (mover/second not specified). Outcome: approved by voice vote; alternate approved as contingency. - Motion to approve recommended design for Butler Ave (near 1AZ Credit Union) (mover/second not specified). Outcome: approved by voice vote; alternate approved as contingency. - Motion to approve recommended design for Butler Ave (near Whole Foods) (mover/second not specified). Outcome: approved by voice vote; alternate approved as contingency.

Discussion points and conditions - Panelists emphasized the importance of translating designs to high‑resolution digital files that will reproduce well on vinyl. They gave extra consideration to color palettes, visibility for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and connections to local ecology and culture (e.g., osprey nest at Pine Canyon, San Francisco Peaks). - Commission noted concerns about contrast and legibility at one downtown site and asked staff and the artist to take care with final production color values.

Background and timeline - The call ran in March 2025; approximately 18 applicants attended a pre‑application meeting; 53 total submissions were received for the four cabinets. Selection panels included city staff, community members, and representatives from Coconino Community College. The pilot seeks to demonstrate feasibility before seeking additional APS cabinets for future rounds.

Ending - Installation timing will depend on APS technical approval and production scheduling. Staff will coordinate with APS and artists on final files, production, and installation dates.